[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 203 (Thursday, October 19, 2000)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 62989-62990]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-27113]


 
 
                         Presidential Documents 
 
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 65, No. 203 / Thursday, October 19, 2000 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 62989]]


                Proclamation 7367 of October 14, 2000

                
White Cane Safety Day, 2000

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Last month at the Olympic Games in Sydney, American 
                runner Marla Runyan made history in the women's 1500-
                meter race. She was not considered a favorite in the 
                event and won no medals, placing ninth in the final 
                competition. But as the first legally blind athlete 
                ever to qualify for and compete in an Olympic event, 
                Marla set an extraordinary precedent and proved to 
                millions of people across the globe that disability 
                need not be a limitation on achievement or a barrier to 
                success.

                Marla Runyan's accomplishment reflects the spirit of 
                two historic pieces of legislation whose milestone 
                anniversaries we celebrate this year. Ten years ago, 
                the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law 
                to guarantee access to public accommodations and 
                services and to outlaw workplace discrimination for 
                people with disabilities. Twenty-five years ago, the 
                Individuals with Disabilities Education Act became law, 
                ensuring that people with disabilities have access to a 
                free and appropriate public education. Both of these 
                laws have made a significant impact on the lives of 
                millions of Americans with disabilities by allowing 
                them to pursue their dreams and make their own 
                contributions to our society.

                But even before passage of these landmark laws, the 
                white cane was helping to open doors of opportunity for 
                many blind and visually impaired Americans. With proper 
                training, people using the white cane can enjoy greater 
                mobility and safety by determining the location of 
                curbs, steps, uneven pavement, and other physical 
                obstacles in their path. The white cane has given them 
                the freedom to travel independently to their schools 
                and workplaces and to participate more fully in the 
                life of their communities.

                The white cane is a simple tool, but, like Marla 
                Runyan's accomplishments, it reminds us that the only 
                barriers against people with disabilities are 
                discriminatory attitudes and practices that our society 
                has too often placed in their way. As we observe White 
                Cane Safety Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to 
                building a society where we embrace the talents, 
                energy, and contributions of every individual.

                To honor the many achievements of blind and visually 
                impaired citizens and to recognize the white cane's 
                significance in advancing independence, the Congress, 
                by joint resolution approved October 6, 1964, has 
                designated October 15 of each year as ``White Cane 
                Safety Day.''

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the 
                United States of America, do hereby proclaim October 
                15, 2000, as White Cane Safety Day. I call upon the 
                people of the United States, government officials, 
                educators, and business leaders to observe this day 
                with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

[[Page 62990]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                fourteenth day of October, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand, and of the Independence of the United States 
                of America the two hundred and twenty-fifth.

                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 00-27113
Filed 10-18-00; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P